Gwailo
/ˈɡwaɪ.loʊ/noun
A Cantonese-derived English term referring to a white foreigner, often derogatorily.
Did you know?Although gwailo is often translated as “ghost man,” the term is generally a racialized colloquialism rather than evidence of literal supernatural belief; its offensiveness depends heavily on context.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Chinese
Chinese
鬼
“Ghost, spirit, or demon; the source of Cantonese gwai.”
Classical Chinese
Chinese
佬
“Man, fellow, or person; a colloquial noun later used in Cantonese compounds.”
19th Century
Cantonese
鬼佬 (gwái lóu)
“Literally “ghost man,” a label used for Western foreigners, especially Europeans.”
20th Century
Hong Kong English
gweilo / gwailo
“An English rendering of Cantonese 鬼佬, commonly referring to a white foreigner.”
Modern English
English
gwailo
“A Cantonese loanword used in English for a white person or Western foreigner, frequently with derogatory force.”